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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault on campus, support can start with whatever is needed now: medical care, someone to talk to, help with classes or housing, safety planning, information, or time to decide. You do not have to report to police or make a Title IX complaint to ask about support. Campus options and privacy rules vary, so ask an office about confidentiality before sharing details.
Choose a starting point based on what you need
There is no single right path. RAINN notes that survivors may want medical care, information, a conversation, a report, or time before deciding. You can contact one resource without committing to another step.
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| If the immediate need is… | A place to start | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Medical attention | Campus student health center, a local medical provider, or a sexual-assault service provider | What care is available, how soon to come in, and what information is confidential |
| Emotional support or information | A confidential survivor advocate, if your campus has one; campus counseling; or RAINN | Whether the service is confidential and whether staff have any reporting obligations |
| Class, housing, or campus safety concerns | Title IX office or coordinator; housing, academic-support, or campus safety staff as appropriate | Which supportive options may apply and what information the office needs |
| Understanding reporting choices | Title IX office for school procedures; local law enforcement for a criminal report; or an advocate to talk through options | What each process involves, what may be shared, and whether you can get support without filing a report |
These are starting points, not a required sequence. RAINN recommends identifying campus contacts such as the Title IX office, an advocate if available, health and mental-health services, campus safety, housing or academic support, and a local sexual-assault provider. Your school may organize these services differently.
Get confidential support and check privacy first
Campus advocates and other offices
Some campuses have advocates who can provide confidential support. “If available” matters: not every school has the same services, and not every office has the same confidentiality rules. Before describing what happened, you can ask, “Can I speak with you confidentially? Are there circumstances in which you must share what I tell you?” If you are unsure, begin with a resource that explains its privacy practices before asking for details.
#1 Best Overall
- 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM — AS LOUD AS A POWER SAW: HOOTIE's 130dB siren and bright flashing strobe light are designed to attract attention instantly in an emergency. One of the loudest personal safety alarms available — compact enough to carry daily, powerful enough to be heard from a significant distance.
- PULL-PIN PERSONAL ALARM FOR SELF-DEFENSE — WORKS IN SECONDS: Pull the pin and the alarm activates instantly. No buttons, no screen, no unlock sequence. A personal alarm for self-defense and personal security that activates single-handed — designed to work fast in a stressful moment when you cannot afford hesitation.
- SAFETY ALARM KEYCHAIN — CLIP IT ON AND CARRY IT EVERYWHERE: Attach HOOTIE to your keys, bag, backpack, or belt loop and keep it within reach at all times. Lightweight enough for daily wear. Designed for commuting, night running, campus life, solo travel, and late-evening walks — a safety alarm keychain that is always there when you need it.
- NO CHARGING EVER — NEVER FAILS BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO PLUG IT IN: Unlike rechargeable personal alarms, HOOTIE runs on standard CR2032 batteries — available in any pharmacy or convenience store worldwide. No charging cable. No dead battery when you need it most. A personal security device that is always ready, whether it has been in your bag for three days or three months.
- PERSONAL SAFETY DEVICE FOR WOMEN, SENIORS AND SOLO TRAVELERS: Designed for women, older adults, students, runners, commuters, and anyone who spends time alone. Simple enough for elderly users with no complicated controls. TSA-friendly for international travel. A reliable personal safety device that works the same way every time — just pull the pin.
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN offers free, confidential support 24/7 by phone, online chat, and text. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or use RAINN’s online hotline. A trained specialist can offer support, healing resources, referrals for longer-term help in your area, and information about state laws. RAINN says a web session remains anonymous and confidential if you do not share your name and location. You can ask questions without deciding whether to report.
Ask the school about supportive measures
A campus Title IX office may be able to explain education-related support options. RAINN lists examples such as homework extensions, schedule or dorm changes, mental-health counseling, GPA adjustments, student-loan counseling, and no-contact orders. These are possibilities to ask about, not guaranteed outcomes; availability and procedures depend on the school and the circumstances. Ask what the institution can provide under its current policy and how to request it.
Rank #2
- NEW AND IMPROVED – When faced with danger, activate Birdie’s piercing 130dB siren and high-intensity flashing strobe light to draw attention and deter potential threats. Simply pull the top ring to unleash an immediate and powerful alert designed to startle and disorient an attacker. Whether you’re on a walk, commuting, or traveling, Birdie provides an added layer of security and peace of mind when you need it most.
- SLEEK, SIMPLE, & RELIABLE – Birdie’s modern design makes it effortless to use in any situation. Just pull the top ring to activate the alarm, and push it to deactivate. This personal safety device is reusable, ensuring you always have protection on hand. With an easily RECHARGEABLE battery that provides 120 minutes of continuous sound and light, Birdie is a long-lasting safety companion that’s always ready when you are.
- PROTECTION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE – Whether you’re heading out for a morning jog, walking your dog at night, navigating a busy campus, or traveling solo, Birdie is the perfect safety accessory. Compact and lightweight, it easily attaches to your keychain or bag, ensuring you feel confident and secure wherever life takes you—day or night, near or far.
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- For academic disruption, ask about extensions, schedule changes, or other ways to continue coursework.
- For housing concerns, ask whether a room or dorm change is possible.
- For safety or unwanted contact, ask what steps or no-contact options the school can offer.
- For emotional or financial strain, ask whether counseling or student-loan counseling is available.
Understand reporting without feeling pushed into it
School reporting
A Title IX office can explain how the school handles reports and what school-based options may be available. You can ask about the process and potential privacy limits before deciding what to share. Requesting information or asking about supportive measures is not the same as deciding to pursue a formal process; ask the school how its procedures apply to your situation.
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Contacting law enforcement is one option, not a prerequisite for seeking medical care, counseling, or school support. RAINN notes that some survivors find seeking justice helpful, while others describe interactions with the criminal justice system as retraumatizing. An advocate can help you consider what you want from a report and what questions to ask, without deciding for you.
Rank #3
- Safety First: Unlike traditional pepper sprays or tasers, the Fauxomor safety keychain alarm set for women provides a non-violent yet highly effective way to ensure your safety. When threatened, its 140-decibel loud siren birdie sound and high-intensity strobe LED light can distract and scare off attackers while quickly drawing attention from other people to help you.
- Effortless Use with Low Battery Alerts: No training or special skills are required. Just pull out the top pin to activate the safe alarm and strobe light, and reinsert it to turn them off. A smart low-battery warning will emit three “Di Di Di” beeps when the battery drops below 10%, reminding you to replace the batteries or device in time to ensure it's always ready for use.
- Peace of Mind: We take women's self-defense very seriously. This personal SOS protection device for women is made of high-quality and durable materials. Batteries are replaceable. It provides up to 60 minutes of continuous use and has an impressive battery life of up to 3 years, ensuring reliable protection whenever needed. One of the essential personal safety equipment for women.
- Compact and Stylish: The police-approved rape alarm combines practicality and elegance. Weighing only 0.95 oz and as small as a key, it's easy to carry and even TSA-compliant for air travel. The included lanyard lets you easily attach it to wallets, backpacks, keys, belt loops, or suitcases. With multiple fashionable color options, it can be easily matched with different styles. It is a perfect choice for safety-conscious women who value fashion.
- A Priceless Perfect Gift: Our protection keychain alarm for women provides safety for your loved ones, carry Fauxomor with you from day to night. Ideal for students, joggers, seniors, women, night shift workers, and people of all ages, it makes a thoughtful gift for occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays, and more.
If you are helping a friend
Offer choices rather than directing your friend toward a particular report or office. You might ask whether they want help finding medical care, talking with an advocate, contacting the school, or simply having someone stay with them. Do not promise confidentiality on behalf of a campus office; help them check the office’s privacy rules first. If there is an immediate emergency, contact local emergency assistance. Otherwise, let the survivor set the pace.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Find and save campus contacts
Campus arrangements differ, and there is no universal directory that identifies the right contact for every school. If feasible, save the current contact details for your school’s Title IX office, confidential advocate, health center, counseling service, campus safety, housing and academic-support offices, and a nearby sexual-assault service provider. RAINN’s campus guidance and resources can also help you identify questions to ask.
Rank #4
- 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM — AS LOUD AS A POWER SAW: HOOTIE's 130dB siren and bright flashing strobe light are designed to attract attention instantly in an emergency. One of the loudest personal safety alarms available — compact enough to carry daily, powerful enough to be heard from a significant distance.
- PULL-PIN PERSONAL ALARM FOR SELF-DEFENSE — WORKS IN SECONDS: Pull the pin and the alarm activates instantly. No buttons, no screen, no unlock sequence. A personal alarm for self-defense and personal security that activates single-handed — designed to work fast in a stressful moment when you cannot afford hesitation.
- SAFETY ALARM KEYCHAIN — CLIP IT ON AND CARRY IT EVERYWHERE: Attach HOOTIE to your keys, bag, backpack, or belt loop and keep it within reach at all times. Lightweight enough for daily wear. Designed for commuting, night running, campus life, solo travel, and late-evening walks — a safety alarm keychain that is always there when you need it.
- NO CHARGING EVER — NEVER FAILS BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO PLUG IT IN: Unlike rechargeable personal alarms, HOOTIE runs on standard CR2032 batteries — available in any pharmacy or convenience store worldwide. No charging cable. No dead battery when you need it most. A personal security device that is always ready, whether it has been in your bag for three days or three months.
- PERSONAL SAFETY DEVICE FOR WOMEN, SENIORS AND SOLO TRAVELERS: Designed for women, older adults, students, runners, commuters, and anyone who spends time alone. Simple enough for elderly users with no complicated controls. TSA-friendly for international travel. A reliable personal safety device that works the same way every time — just pull the pin.
RAINN attributes to the 2019 Campus Climate Survey the finding that 13% of undergraduate students experienced rape or sexual assault after enrolling in college. That figure describes the survey’s stated population and measure in 2019; it is not an annual current rate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMPLETE PERSONAL SAFETY KIT: Be prepared wherever life takes you. This self defense bundle includes a POM flip-top pepper spray and a powerful personal safety alarm, giving you both active defense and attention-grabbing deterrence in one compact keychain setup.
- ENGINEERED FOR REAL-WORLD RELIABILITY: Unlike outdated twist-top designs, POM’s flip-top actuator helps prevent accidental discharge while allowing fast, intuitive deployment under stress. Compact, discreet, and built for everyday carry.
- MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER + UV DYE: Formulated with Major Capsaicinoids (MC%) for real-world effectiveness — not inflated SHU numbers. Includes UV marking dye to help identify an attacker after deployment.
- 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM: Instantly activate a piercing 130dB alarm to draw attention, deter threats, and signal for help. Ideal for walking alone, campus life, rideshare travel, parking garages, and running.
- DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY CARRY Lightweight, pocket-sized, and keychain-ready. Perfect for students, professionals, runners, travelers, and anyone who values personal safety preparedness without bulk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
